How to Ripen Fruit

According to USDA's Agriculture Research Service, Americans are not eating enough fruit. Only 24% of us are eating the minimum recommended 2 servings of fruit a day. And that's only when you include apples from apple pie, etc. The average number of servings is 1 and 2/3 serving. How many servings did you eat yesterday?

Most people like fruit...we just can't find ripe ready-to-eat fruit. Nothing is more disgusting than a rock-hard peach with the crunch of an apple. Or a mango that is so bitter it makes your mouth pucker.

The fact is, most fruit is picked while it is still green for shipping purposes. When we buy underripe fruit and refrigerate it, it will never ripen. Refrigeration stops the natural ripening process. According to the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, many fruits ripen after they are harvested.

Don't Refrigerate Until Fully Ripe

avocados bananas cantaloupe honeydew melons mangos nectarines

papayas peaches pears Persimmons plums

To hasten the ripening of the fruits listed above, use the following procedure:

• place a single layer of underripe fruit, no stacking, in a large paper bag

• using a sharp object (such as a pencil or knife) punch about 15-20 small holes all around the bag

• place one apple in the bag with the underripe fruit. Roll the top of the bag over to seal and store the bag at room temperature overnight.

• next day, check the ripening progress of the fruit. If it is ripened to your satisfaction, store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat it. If it is still underripe, reseal the bag and allow another 8 hours of ripening time. Check often to prevent over ripening.

An apple is used because apples give off a natural gas that hastens the ripening of fruits and vegetables. The apple, however, does not know when the fruit is ripe. If you forget about the bag of fruit, it will go from underripe to rotten in a few days. Check frequently.

Sadly enough, some fruits are ripe upon harvesting. They will not get sweeter or better with age or the ripening process described above. They will just deteriorate or rot. Store these fruits in the refrigerator until ready to wash and eat, which should happen in a few days. Selection becomes very important when you purchase these fruits. Look for fragrant, blemish-free fruit with no soft spots.

Refrigerate These Fruits Immediately

apples blueberries cherries cranberries grapes

pomegranates raspberries strawberries tangerines

Purchasing fruits in season will increase your chances of getting fully ripened, sweet, juice and delicious selections. Look for locally grown peaches, plums and apples and eat more fruit. Fruit is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and is an important part of a well-balanced diet.

Late Summer 1997
It's Harvest Time! | Fences in the Landscape | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Using Electrical Garden Tools Safely | Bug Bites | Cybergarden Sites | Food Safety: September is National Food Safety Month | Locally Grown: Farmers' Market | Food Handling: How to Ripen Fruit | Health & Household Tips | Did You Know?

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